Police: Thief steals purse at Fall River church

A thief stole a 69-year-old woman's purse as she was attending church on Sunday, then used her cash and credit cards to go on a spending spree, police said.

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By CURT BROWN

southcoasttoday.com

By CURT BROWN

Posted Nov. 1, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Nov 1, 2012 at 8:08 AM

By CURT BROWN

Posted Nov. 1, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Nov 1, 2012 at 8:08 AM

» Social News

FALL RIVER — A thief stole a 69-year-old woman's purse as she was attending church on Sunday, then used her cash and credit cards to go on a spending spree — buying cigarettes at area markets and convenience stores, police said.

Detective J.D. Costa, a spokesman for the Fall River Police Department, said the woman left her purse under her seat and a thief stole it sometime between 11 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.

The suspect then used the cash and credit cards from the purse to make four purchases of cigarettes at markets, convenience stores and a supermarket in the South End of Fall River, police said.

"It's a terrible crime against the elderly," Costa said.

The suspect is described as a white male, late 30s to mid-40s with a medium build. Costa said police aren't releasing the name of the church where the incident occurred or the victim's name.

John Kearns, a spokesman for the Fall River Diocese, said the circumstances of the theft are sad for everyone involved.

"It's sad that someone's desperation would lead them to steal," he said. "It's a reminder that people still have to be mindful of their pocketbooks when they're in church."

He also said most people come to church to find peace and listen "to the word of God" and reflect on the priest's homily.

There was a similar incident in New Bedford two years ago when a thief stole a 19-year-old woman's pocketbook as she was attending Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Church.

She said she left the pocketbook under her seat and went to receive Holy Communion and when she returned and reached for her purse, the bag was missing.

New Bedford Detective Capt. Steven Vicente, head of the Major Crimes Unit, said the public must always be alert to these kinds of thefts.

"No matter where you go today, you have to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables within reach," he said. "Maybe there is a special place in the afterlife for people like that."

Fall River police are asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call Officers Adam Katz or Allen Correiro at 508-324-2802.